Ecmweb 5405 Wwh
Ecmweb 5405 Wwh
Ecmweb 5405 Wwh
Ecmweb 5405 Wwh
Ecmweb 5405 Wwh

What's Wrong Here? Hint: Sunshine and Blue Skies

Feb. 13, 2013
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify? Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2011 NEC.

Hint: Sunshine and blue skies

‘Tell Them What They’ve Won...’

Using the 2011 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win something to put in your tool­box. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to [email protected], and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win. Winners will receive a fluorescent lighting tester from Milwaukee Tool, valued at $199. The product allows complete lamp, ballast, and pin testing, before or after install, without dismantling fixtures.

(*Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of tools.)

DECEMBER WINNERS

The number 10 is a Code violation when it’s the number of wires stuffed into a foot lug that’s designed for only one conductor.

Our winners this month include: Ryan Young, an electrical designer with MEPIS in Chicago; Jon Perruzzi, an electrical engineer with SMRT in Portland, Maine; and Diana Kemper, a CADD coordinator with Semac Electric in New Britain, Conn. They all knew that terminals for more than one conductor shall be identified as such, in accordance with the last paragraph in 110.14(A).

Because the single barrel lug installed was only identified for use with one wire at a time, this would also be a violation of 110.3(B), which requires equipment to be installed and used in accordance with its listing or labeling. Our winners also knew the requirements in section 408.40 for panelboard grounding which requires, a panelboard wired with nonmetallic raceways or nonmetallic cables or “where separate equipment grounding conductors are provided”, to have a terminal bar installed inside the cabinet and bonded to the cabinet if metal. The terminal bar must also be connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the circuit feeding the panelboard. The use of a sheet metal screw to secure the lug may also violate the requirements in 250.8.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.